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Radisson to continue expansion with ‘new breed’ hotels
Rezidor SAS is to open a further 12 Radisson SAS branded hotels in 2005.
The new properties – which will see hotels open in Frankfurt and Paris – follow the 10 ‘new breed’ openings during 2004 which included the Radisson SAS Hotel London Stansted Airport – which features a 13m high wine tower – and the Radisson SAS Berlin – which boasts the world’s tallest freestanding aquarium in the lobby.
All the new-style properties offer individually designed room themes and a focus on stylish bars and restaurants.
“Radisson SAS is not trying to compete with design hotels,” said Gordon McKinnon, senior vice president for marketing, brand and corporate communications. “The design philosophy is a long-term commitment not a trend-based marketing initiative.
“The strength and integrity of design represents the fact that good design is now a pre-requisite in modern hotels. The ethos is very much about individual hotels for individual markets and individual minds.”
The first new Radisson SAS hotel to open in 2005 will be a 20-storey property in Frankfurt, offering 420 rooms and suites and 1,200sq m of conference and meeting space, including a ballroom.
This will be followed by the 122-room Radisson SAS Hotel Cork and the Radisson SAS Hotel Birmingham, which will occupy the lower 18 floors of a 38-storey tower.
This month the company is also beginning a £5m (€7.2m, US$9.3m) refurbishment of the recently acquired Radisson SAS Edinburgh which will transform the public areas and guest rooms. The project, due for completion in April 2005, will introduce a contemporary style with a ‘Scottish twist’ to reflect its location on The Royal Mile and its 16th Century façade.
In 2006, Radisson SAS is also set to open a golf resort and spa in Cavan, north of Dublin. Farnham Resort will feature 158 bedrooms, several restaurants and bars, meeting space, a championship golf course, spa, walking trails, fishing and clay pigeon shooting. Details: www.radissonsas.com